Awareness of periodontal problems by the public and their assessment by the practising dentist affect the levels of periodontal health. Many people do not recognize the symptoms of periodontal disease nor do they associate existing symptoms with the disease. Thus they do not perceive a need for professional or self-care. Most people in industrialized nations clean their teeth daily and visit the dentist at least once every 2 years. Yet, evidence suggests that levels of plaque and the incidence of bleeding gums are higher than expected either because people have not received individual instruction or they are not complying with appropriate regimens. Further, evidence suggests that many general dentists have low interest in the aetiology, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. It appears that such dentists have not retained their skills in the early recognition and diagnosis of periodontal diseases, nor in oral hygiene education or skill transfer. Likewise, only a small proportion of the general dentist's time is spent on prevention and periodontal care. To improve periodontal health, recommendations for the dental profession to pursue at the community, professional and individual levels are offered.